E-Ready: Emergency Communication Toolkit
Anthrax: Airborne
The Burlington Metropolitan Statistical Area (including parts of Chittenden, Franklin and Grand Isle Counties) has joined 71 other cities nationwide in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI). CRI is a pilot program to help cities strengthen their capacity to quickly deliver medicines and medical supplies during a large-scale public health emergency such as an airborne anthrax attack.
Using an intentional release of inhalational anthrax as the scenario, Vermont is developing plans to support mass distribution of medication to 100 percent of an identified population within 48 hours of a possible exposure.
In the event of any public health emergency, the Vermont Department of Health will activate its Crisis & Emergency Risk Communication (CERC) plan to reach everyone affected with accurate, credible and useful information.
The plans, tools and resources provided here will aid effective communication with the public and emergency response partners.
Fact Sheets & Resources
- What You Need to Know about Anthrax
- What Happened?
- Treatment for Anthrax
- What Should I Do?
- Points of Distribution (PODs)
Anthrax Fact Sheet
- Anthrax: What You Need to Know about Anthrax
General fact sheet from Centers for Disease Control & Prevention. Available in English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese.
What Happened?
In the event of an anthrax release, the Vermont news media will be alerted immediately and officials will provide frequent situation updates and public information.
Treatment for Anthrax
Anthrax can be treated with antibiotics. It is very important for everyone who may have been exposed to start medication within 48 hours, and keep taking it as directed.
What Should I Do?
In the event of an anthrax release, health officials will open Points of Distribution (PODs) to provide medication to everyone. Tune in to local TV or radio station, dial 2-1-1, or visit healthvermont.gov for all the directions you will need.
- Fact Sheet: Anthrax: How do I get help? (template)
- Brief: How do I get help? (template)
- Checklist: What should I do if I think I was exposed?
Points of Distribution (PODs)
Points of Distribution will be giving free medication for everyone who may have been exposed to airborne anthrax. All residents/visitors in the affected area will be asked to send ONE adult per household to pick up medicine.
- Flyer: Protect yourself and your family against anthrax (template)
- Flyer: How do I get medicine? (template)
- Fact Sheet: Points of Distribution (template)
- Brief: Airborne Anthrax POD Quick Facts (template)
- Checklist: Airborne anthrax: Points of Distribution
- POD Signs Reference Sheet
Volunteer to help in an emergency:
Page updated: 07/01/2010 16:22